What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expanse
Example
The expanse of the ocean was breathtaking. [expanse: noun]
Example
The expanse of time between their meetings seemed endless. [expanse: noun]
spread
Example
She spread the blanket on the grass for a picnic. [spread: verb]
Example
The virus continued to spread rapidly across the country. [spread: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spread is more commonly used than expanse in everyday language. Spread is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while expanse is less common and refers to a specific type of wide and uninterrupted area.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between expanse and spread?
Both expanse and spread are relatively formal words, but spread is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
